backfire
verb (used without object)
(of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold.
will backfire
-
future tenseof backfire.future tense
Used to express actions, events, or states that have not yet occurred but are expected to happen.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This strategy "will backfire for specific audiences, particularly Westerners and others from democracies who are used to having freedom of expression," said Bohl.
From Barron's ● Mar. 15, 2026
“They will backfire at some stage because they exclude kids from their digital life.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 19, 2026
“Opponents argue the measure will backfire by stifling needed housing construction.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2024
Telling such an obvious whopper to a jury seems like it will backfire by making them believe the defense attorneys are just liars.
From Salon ● May 6, 2024
The warnings her gran always issued drummed through her: Whatever is conjured with an ill heart will backfire.
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
